Stonehenge II and Easter Island Heads

“Visit Stonehenge but without the drive”

Stonehenge II was erected as an amusing art project by the late Al Shepperd and his friend and neighbor, Doug Hill. Hill had offered a limestone slab to Shepperd in 1989, unused in his recently completed back patio. Shepperd stood the rock up monolith-style, and then odd thoughts started to seep into his head. He was gripped by what we've observed as a rare but not unknown malady -- Stonehenge Fever.Within the next year, Shepperd bankrolled Hill to construct plaster and graphite-covered metal mesh and steel frameworks, replicating the mysterious stones of England, in the middle of Shepperd's pasture.
He opted for a somewhat faithful replica, akin to Sam Hill's Stonehenge more than Carhenge or evenFridgehenge. The finished product is 90% as wide as the original, and 60% the height.Shepperd added two 13-ft. tall Easter Island heads a year and a half later, after visiting Easter Island. The heads stand away a respectful distance on either side of the 'Henge.Al planned to add a replica Alaskan totem pole to the tableaux, but died in 1994 in his seventies before realizing that portion of his dream. His nephew, also named Al Shepperd, now owns the property.Though it is self-tourable and usually deserted, a sign explains the project.It was quiet, the sun drooping towards a line of hills when we arrived. Okay, not entirely quiet.
During the ten minute drive from the interstate, one of us insisted on blasting "This is Hawkwind - Do not Panic [Live from Stonehenge]" on the CD player as some sort of "test." After an audience-pleasing explosion, we turned off the car and communed with the semi-natural surroundings of rural Hunt.The "stones" are about eight feet tall -- actually, they ring when you tap them. Sparrows or finches or some mud bird have built their strange nests under the crook of the cross pieces. Didn't notice any of the fabled fire ants, and we are grateful.The entrance sign refers to the original: "Its purpose is unknown, and, perhaps, unknowable."

First stop on my 3 day road trip to New Mexico. I had to wait out some workers that were parked blocking the structure in order to get a decent photo so i had lunch at the cafe. Not a ton of options but the staff was friendly. Cafe is cash only. Workers were gone when I came out and there is a few nearby geocaches if you're into that! Area was clean aside from some hay that seemed to be left behind from a recent fall event.